Cam and Laurie came to couples counseling, unclear if their marriage could survive. Now, they are having mostly respectful conversations and improving their support of...
Author archive for: drrein
Defaulting
In a couples counseling session, Kerri talked about scrolling on her phone because Daniel was watching TV. Daniel talked about watching TV because Kerri was...
You Seem Off
Leah and Robert were on a road trip when Robert started slowing down on the highway, and Leah said, “What’s wrong with you?” Robert heard...
Resolve Doesn’t Mean You Agree
Claire was upset at Andy for moving money from one account to another without telling her. He said he thought he had told her, but...
Muscle Memory
In my couples counseling sessions, we focus a lot on language. Couples’ ability to work through issues depends on their communication skills. Couples counseling aims...
Rewiring
Heather came to couples counseling to either repair their relationship or end it. Her husband of thirty years, Jay, recently erupted and verbally attacked her,...
Integrity in Your Words
I usually think of integrity as fidelity in a committed relationship. However, one of my clients discussed having “integrity in your words.” I liked the...
Us
The wife of a couple had a great description of what can happen in relationships. She said, “It is me versus you instead of us...
Wake-Up Call
Angela had issues with her husband, Tim, throughout their relationship. But somehow, Tim didn’t listen to her complaints. Often, he would respond by convincing her...
Imposed Perfectionism
Perfectionism is not a problem in itself. If someone holds high standards for themselves, that is their prerogative. However, if they impose those high standards...